Phase one of the training consists of a variety of inputs:

• Law - including legislation such as the Theft Act, Criminal Attempts Act, Offences Against The Person Act, Public Order Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act
• Officer Safety Training - first aid training and physical tactics, including restraints, handcuffing, use of PAVA incapacitant spray, auto lock batons, safe ways of searching and basic water rescue training. This also includes interactive training on using the National Decision Model and how it applies within West Mercia Police's Vision and Values
• The use of police 'Airwave' handheld radios
• Custody Procedure - how to present a person under arrest to the Custody Sergeant and what happens within police custody suites
• Training coverage on the European Convention on Human Rights and how this ties in with police operations in the UK

The programme incorporates distance learning and experiential learning, in addition to traditional classroom-based learning. This means that during some weeks officers are involved in live training in a police facility classroom; and during other weeks they will take part in 'blended learning', working from home or taking part in online web seminars with the trainers.

The training programme concludes with an examination.

During the 12 months candidates complete an Accompanied Patrol programme, as part of phase two of the training. They accompany experienced police officers, and have further mandatory classroom-based training sessions to build on their knowledge and understanding, and incorporate what they have learnt in an operational context.

Candidates also work through a portfolio to record the good work they do in order to meet the National Occupational Standards for a Special Constable.

During this time candidates will also attend three further training sessions covering more advanced operational skills.

They have to demonstrate that they are 'safe and legal' in certain core policing skills; this is recorded on Police Action Checklists (PACs) in a portfolio, similar to those that are used by regular officers in their initial training.

Following the successful completion of the 12-month programme, there is no formal qualification awarded, but through the evidence obtained candidates will be designated to be 'safe and legal' to patrol independently.

Candidates are responsible for monitoring their own progress and maintaining up to date and accurate records of evidence in their portfolio.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring their progress while they are developing in the role and gathering evidence for independent patrol status. An experienced officer will verify the evidence claimed or examined.

Those undergoing the training may patrol with experienced Special Constables or regular police officers while working towards Independent Patrol status.

Members of the Special Constabulary Management Team are responsible for assessing candidates' written evidence and signing off the College of Policing National Occupational Standard PACs.

Supervisors should assign officers to work on patrol shifts alongside regular Patrol Officers or Senior Special Constables. The supervisor should be sighted on the core competencies and activities contained within the trainee's portfolio and safely expose them to situations and incidents to develop their skills.

Candidates' progress will be reviewed regularly by their line supervisor, and will incorporate the regular supervisor on the shift the trainee is assigned to.

Candidates will only achieve Independent Patrol Status once they have attended all phase one and phase two sessions, passed the final written exam to ensure knowledge and understanding, and completed all elements of their portfolio to demonstrate their performance.

To apply to the Police Service you must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper limit.

To be eligible for appointment you must be a British citizen or a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.  Commonwealth citizens and other foreign nationals are also eligible but only if they are resident in the UK free of restrictions.

If you have recently resided abroad we need to be able to check your previous three years, including employment, education and/or residency.

Applicants must be in good health, of sound constitution and able both physically and mentally to perform the duties of a Special Constable once appointed. The Home Office guidance states that applicants must have a body mass index (BMI) between 18-30. 

Successful applicants will be asked prior to appointment to complete a medical questionnaire and an eyesight test.

Qualifications are not a requirement for appointment. However, you will need to pass the selection process, which includes a written test.

The Police Service has a policy of prohibiting any of their officers, staff or volunteers from becoming members of the British National Party (BNP), Combat 18 or the National Front, whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are a member of the BNP or similar, your application will be rejected.

Convictions or cautions will not necessarily preclude you from appointment. It will depend on their nature and the circumstances of the offence. Failure to disclose convictions or cautions will, however, result in your application being refused.

If you have previously applied to join the Police Service and been unsuccessful, you may not re-apply for six months from the time you were notified of the outcome of your last application.

Certain occupations may preclude applicants from becoming special constables, for example neighbourhood and street wardens and other uniformed patrol wardens, and those involved in the administration of the law. Other roles which are precluded include security occupations which hold a Security Industry Association (SIA) licence.

Special Constables are in a privileged position with regard to access to information and could be considered potentially vulnerable to corruption. Applicants to the Police Service should not therefore be under pressure from undischarged debts or liabilities and should be able to manage loans and debts sensibly. Most applicants have debts, such as mortgages, undischarged student or other loans, and credit/store cards. Debts which are within your means and are manageable are not a bar to appointment.

Applicants who have existing County Court judgements outstanding against then or have been registered as bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have not been discharged will not be considered.

Applicants who have discharged County Court judgements may be considered.

Applicants who have been registered as bankrupt and their bankruptcy debts have been discharged will only be considered after three years from discharge of the debt.

Applicants who are the subject of a current individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may not be considered.

Tattoos are not a bar to appointment. However, some tattoos could potentially offend members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the Police Service. It depends on their size, nature and location. If you have tattoos on your face, neck, forearms or hands you will be asked to provide at least two photographs of each tattoo.

Tattoos are unacceptable if they:

• undermine the dignity and authority of the office of constable
• could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues and/or invite provocation
• are garish or numerous or particularly prominent
• indicate unacceptable attitudes towards women, minority groups or any other section of the community
• indicate alignment with a particular group that could give offence to members of the public or colleagues
• are considered to be discriminatory, rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent or intimidating